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Ch23 - Shaved cost
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2024-11-27 21:00:00"Lena, why didn’t you contact me yesterday? I was worried sick about you all night." Lena stared coldly at Diya’s "late" message, feeling a chill pass over her. She couldn’t help but find Diya’s performance both amusing and pitiful.
"When did you get involved with Owen?" Lena shot back.The message was read, but there was a long silence. That kind of silence often speaks louder than any excuse. If Diya had just told her from the beginning that she liked her brother Owen—even though Lena thought he was a nearly thirty-year-old slacker—she would have given them her blessing if it made Diya happy.The only reason Diya wouldn't tell her was because she was plotting with Owen or doing something that would harm Lena’s interests. It all made sense now, from the family’s financial troubles to Diya’s excuse of her parents not allowing them to meet. Lena had thought Diya’s usual naivety was genuine, but it turned out everyone around her had hidden motives...Two days passed, a
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Rivals to Lovers Ch24 - Imperceptible
With everyone watching, Lena downed the drink in one go. Instantly, her throat and stomach burned—a fiery sensation—as she caught sight of at least five different types of liquor mixed into that single glass. The alcohol hit her brain quickly, but she forced down the discomfort and used a napkin to dab at the corner of her mouth.Bob broke into a broad grin and clapped his hands. "Now that's what I call bold! I like it!"The disdain in his eyes from earlier had vanished, replaced with a hint of admiration. Lena felt that the drink was well worth it. “I’ll be counting on your support from now on,” she said.Only when Bob had signed the contract right then and there did she finally allow herself to relax.“Take me home.” That was the last coherent thing she said to Iris before everything became a blur.The alcohol truly kicked in once everyone had left. Lena had made an excuse about someone coming to pick her up so that the others would go ahead. Only Iris stayed b
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Rivals to Lovers Ch25 - Bitten by dog
Alaric took a deep breath, kicking away his wandering thoughts. "Lena, you troublemaker, let go."Lena ignored him, smiling smugly like she'd just won a victory.Alaric was at a loss, silently repeating to himself to stay calm. He tried to put some distance between them and freed one hand to pry her fingers off, but her hands were clasped tightly behind his neck, holding on for dear life.With no other choice, he resorted to his ultimate move—he shifted his hand to her waist. Lena was extremely ticklish, but he didn’t realize this position was even more suggestive. Alaric’s throat tightened as he found her waist and started tickling her lightly. Lena blinked, completely unfazed."..." Why isn’t it working this time? Alaric felt a bit defeated. He didn’t want to drag this out; something felt like it was about to snap in his mind.He stubbornly tickled her waist again, and this time, Lena's grip around his neck loosened slightly. Alaric looked up in surprise, but i
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Rivals to Lovers Ch26 - Toxic man
Lena thought that since Alaric had given her the position of CPO, she should make the most of it. However, she knew her limits. The last time she negotiated a discount on electrical appliances with the representative from Door, it wasn’t just about closing the deal quickly—she didn’t want to lose.But in general situations, like attending today’s business chamber event, she stopped after her third drink. After toasting a few important figures, she took the chance to slip away to the restroom for a brief break.When she came out, she saw someone waiting outside—since she hadn’t seen anyone else in the restroom, the person was probably waiting for her. She looked up and made eye contact with the person.“Do you have a moment to talk?” Elise asked, her tone neutral. But Lena could tell she wasn’t here to make trouble.Lena wasn’t too surprised that Elise had come to find her. Earlier, she had seen Elise moving around the venue with her parents, and she had caught Elise
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Rivals to Lovers Ch27 - She found out
As they made their way back to the main hall, Lena was still caught up in the thrill of being "rescued by a beauty." Elise was just too cool—so young, yet so decisive and straightforward, never wasting a moment.The look on Stellan’s face, furious but unable to act, was absolutely satisfying.Elise, catching Lena’s unfiltered look of admiration, felt a bit uncomfortable. She glanced to the side, trying to play it off. "Just so you know, I didn’t do that for you. I just couldn’t stand what I was seeing.""Well, I helped you once, and now you’ve helped me. I’d say we’re even."Elise gave a haughty look. "I told you, it wasn’t to help you..."Her refusal to admit it was adorable. Lena handed over a phone. "Alright then, leave me your contact. In case I need help in the future, I can reach out to you, right?" With Elise's personality—someone who doesn’t like owing favors—Lena knew she wouldn’t refuse.After saving her number, Elise mumbled, "If you ever want to g
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Rivals to Lovers Ch28 - Just a kiss
As soon as Alaric stepped into the suite, Lena grabbed him by the collar with surprising force. His first thought: Again with the collar? She already ripped off two buttons last time.Lena’s eyes were red as she released him, pointing straight at him. “What the hell did you do to me?”“What? Don’t make stuff up!” Alaric’s panic was obvious; his eyes widened as he realized that none of his mental preparations included being suddenly interrogated like this.“Making stuff up?” Lena’s skeptical gaze closed in on him. Alaric’s back hit the wall, leaving him with nowhere to retreat. She held up the items in her hand. “Then explain why I have two of your buttons.”It was a custom brand, after all. Alaric hesitated, found himself at a loss for words.Lena scrutinized his expression, looking for clues. One of the buttons was from the night after a business meeting, but what about the other one? She distinctly remembered leaving the bar with Diya and going up to her room a
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Lena’s new job—her family must have heard about it by now. But she hadn’t received any messages from them. She figured it was because her brother must have told their parents about the frozen 15 million dollar right after meeting her. As Owen had pointed out, she had lost all her "value" in their eyes. Add to that their father being investigated for embezzlement, they were probably lying low to avoid attention. She doubted they’d reach out to her anytime soon.She had a sliver of hope her parents might at least try to explain, but after waiting so long, there was nothing.Before starting her new job, Lena filed a complaint with the corporate registration authorities to revoke her position as a legal representative. After reviewing the relevant documents and facts, the business bureau notified her of the result—the representative change had been annulled.Lena heaved a sigh of relief. The weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter. Her lawyer handling the civil case su
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"Next Monday morning is the regular meeting. On Tuesday afternoon, a supplier has requested a visit. Also, at the beginning of next month, the company is organizing a team-building event for management, sort of like a mid-year gathering," Iris reported to Lena early in the morning as they stepped out of the elevator and walked toward the office. Lena, uninterested in such activities, shrugged. After all, she was new to the company and hadn’t gotten to know her colleagues well. "I’m not going," she said bluntly. Iris looked troubled. "But attendance is mandatory for all senior management." "What kind of ridiculous rule is that? Can’t I just opt out?" Lena said, clearly annoyed. Iris, wiping the sweat from her back, nervously explained, "This policy was set by the CEO. The idea is to foster camaraderie and teamwork among colleagues, which is why there’s a team-building activity every six months." Lena’s eyes lit up with an idea. "Well,
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"Haha, feels like we're just here to make up the numbers. These two really go all out, whether it's work or games—so intense and serious," joked the company’s legal counsel, Lucy.The employees wiped their sweat while nodding in agreement with Lucy's comment.Someone from another team said, "I was so nervous earlier, I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest. There weren't just one, but two big bosses in the game! They could pop out from anywhere and shoot me down!""You two teams are absolutely insane. We may have lost, but we lost with honor."A simple shooting game had broken the ice, bringing everyone closer together and creating a warm atmosphere.During the lunch break, the game remained the hot topic of conversation."Lena, you were so cool earlier!" The Yellow Team members surrounded Lena at lunch, offering her various dishes, their admiration practically overflowing from their eyes."Right at the start, bang bang, two shots, immediate
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Latest chapter
Rivals to Lovers Ch116 - Final
Lena’s dress was made of pure white satin, its smooth fabric reflecting a delicate sheen under the lights, exuding an aura of elegance and sophistication.The minimalist design featured thin straps and a square neckline, perfectly outlining the graceful curve of her shoulders and collarbones.The highlight of the dress was the double thigh-high slits on both sides, adorned with delicate pearl and metal buttons. Paired with a shimmering silver ankle-tie stiletto, the entire look was effortlessly stunning.This time, Elise didn’t overload her with extravagant jewelry, said that simplicity and elegance suited the occasion best.Elise dragged Lena to a commercial high-rise that looked strikingly similar to the one they had visited months ago. Lena frowned in confusion. "Are you sure he’s here?"The "he" she referred to was Elise’s boyfriend—the owner of the nightclub they had gone to last time."Yes," Elise pointed upward. "One of his bars is on the top floor."Lena was taken aback. If he
Rivals to Lovers Ch115- No longer Carrington
A month and a half later, Alaric’s injuries had completely healed.Just in time for Lena’s court case against her adoptive parents. He was by her side through it all.The trial officially began in mid-January. When Lena once again faced her family in court, she felt none of the past longing or hesitation—only a detached sense of calm.Her brother wore his usual arrogant expression, looking down on her even from the defendant’s seat, his gaze filled with disdain. Her father’s face was unreadable.As for her mother… she looked far more haggard than before. The once-radiant woman was nowhere to be seen. When their eyes met, Lena thought she caught a flicker of guilt, perhaps even regret.
Rivals to Lovers Ch114 - After holiday
Lena stayed at Alaric’s home for a few days, spending a surprisingly pleasant Christmas and New Year with his family.Since Alaric was still recovering from his injuries and couldn’t go out much, they welcomed the last night of the year in his garden—counting down to midnight while setting off fireworks.The garden was adorned with golden string lights wrapped around the trees, gently swaying in the night breeze. The twinkling lights resembled scattered stars, casting a warm glow over the flower beds, where vibrant hellebores were still in full bloom, bringing life to the winter night.As the countdown on the television echoed through the air, Lena clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and silently made a New Year’s wish.She ho
Rivals to Lovers Ch113 - Family gathering
Twelve hours on a plane had taken them from the sweltering heat back to a city blanketed in snow.Alaric had already received a reply from his grandmother, Isla, telling them to head straight to the house."Your house? Won't your mom not want to see me?" Lena asked, skeptical.Alaric shrugged. "No idea. Whatever method Grandma used to convince her, it worked."After landing, the family driver picked them up."But if you don’t feel comfortable going, I can ask the driver to bring Grandma out instead. I booked a restaurant before, and I haven’t canceled it yet.""
Rivals to Lovers Ch112 - Christmas Gift
On Christmas Eve night, this country, surrounded by the sea, welcomed the festive cheer. The sound of church bells and street carols intertwined as the moist evening breeze drifted in.Before the shops closed, Lena stepped out to buy some essentials nearby. Alaric said he’d take care of dinner, so she didn’t have to worry.But while passing a charming boutique, she decided to get into the holiday spirit and bought some gingerbread along with two treats—a pair of Christmas Santas made from strawberries.Clutching her treats, she headed back to the hospital. Remembering the call with Elise and the report that had just come out, she asked Alaric as she entered his room, "You must be happy now, right?"She didn’t notice the dimmed lights inside.
Rivals to Lovers Ch111 - Loving is beautiful thing
"Whoa! Lena, you’re crazy—this is true love!" Elise didn’t care that she was in the middle of a date on Christmas Eve; as soon as she saw the trending news, she immediately made an international call to Lena."The whole world knows now—you and Alaric are officially the ‘golden couple’!"Her tone was so exaggerated, as if she had never heard of this before.In reality, when Lena was waiting to board her flight to Singapore, she had a feeling that she might be spotted by reporters. So, to be ahead of the news, she had proactively told Elise that she and Alaric were officially together.Elise had always suspected that there was something going on between them, so back then, her reac
Rivals to Lovers Ch110 - U should take her offer
This doubt was resolved in no time.A young woman’s figure emerged from the patient room, and when she looked up, she was surprised to see Lena."This is Emma, the fund financial advisor from Ridley’s investment side," Zayn introduced.He hadn’t realized they’d already met.Though everyone was surprised to see each other here, they quickly resumed their usual expressions. Lena greeted her,"Hi Emma, are you here on a business trip too?""Ah, yes, I arrived a few days ago to handle a merger case, and I’m here to spend Christmas as well—my family is in town," Emma explained after a moment’s thought.Then she added,"Keaton told me that Alaric ended up in the hospital an
Rivals to Lovers Ch109 - Sth. must have happened
Lena shook off Daisy’s words with a forceful gesture, taking a deep sniff as she pushed open the revolving door of the building.A blast of cold wind hit her—much chillier than she’d imagined. Snowflakes settled on the tips of her hair and on her scarf, giving the impression that she was draped in a delicate layer of white gauze.When she looked up to snap a photo with her phone, fresh snow landed on her cheeks and melted instantly from her body heat.After sending the photo to Alaric, thinking he should be calling any minute, she decided to wait for his call out on the street.But two minutes passed, then five, and she still hadn’t received any call from him. Alaric was always punctual.
Rivals to Lovers Ch108 - His mother
In Lena’s eyes, Daisy was never the traditional kind of mother.Maybe it was because she’d always been fiercely independent. When Alaric’s grandparents—Daisy’s own parents—transformed their trading company into a real estate business, Daisy poured a lot of effort into Winfield.She and her husband were married through a family alliance, and at the time, the company was just getting started. Daisy needed a husband who could help support her career. In other words, she was willing to sacrifice even her marriage for her career without complaint.That mindset even extended to how she raised her son—as if nurturing a business.In that respect, Lena felt Daisy was somewhat similar t
